EAST LANSING -- Michigan State cornerback Darqueze Dennard was named one of three finalists for the Jim Thorpe Award, which honors the nation's top defensive back.

Either the senior Dennard, Oklahoma State cornerback Justin Gilbert or Florida State cornerback Lamarcus Joyner will be announced on Dec. 12 as the winner.

Dennard, who has recorded 47 tackles along with four interceptions and a team-leading seven pass breakups, had already been named one of five finalists for the Bronko Nagurski Trophy presented to the nation's top defensive player.

"Darqueze Dennard has been an outstanding player at Michigan State for the past four seasons," Michigan State coach Mark Dantonio said in a statement last week after the Nagurski announcement.

"In addition, he's an outstanding person, who is one of the most respected players in our football program. Players like him come around once in a head coach's career."

Meanwhile, Michigan State junior Mike Sadler was not named a Ray Guy Award finalist after having been one of 10 semifinalists for being honored as the nation's top punter. The finalists were Purdue's Cody Webster, Memphis' Tom Hornsey and Texas A&M's Drew Kaser.

"Call it what you want, but at the end of the day, playing in Pasadena easily trumps any individual award! #SmellTheRoses," Sadler tweeted.